New 100-day sport visa for non-EU athletes travelling to Malta for sports trials

Non-EU athletes coming to Malta for trials will now have to apply for a 100-day non-renewable visa, the Home Affairs Minister announced.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday, Byron Camilleri explained an the athlete must first be invited for a trial by a registered Sport Malta club or relevant national sports entity, such as the Malta Football Association or the Aquatic Sports Association.

The sport visa will be valid for a maximum of 100 days, specifically for trial purposes, and will not be renewable.

Camilleri explained how, currently, sports clubs must apply for a tourist short-term visa ('C' visa) for any non-EU players invited to trials. The 'C' visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and applicants cannot be employed during the period of their visa.

Sports clubs and associations had called for clearer regulations to invite and allow athletes to come for trials in Malta, he said.

Now, the sports visa will fall under the 'D' visa regime – for applicants who intend to reside in Malta in the long term – but with specific conditions, explained Camilleri.

The sports club must provide evidence of the player's registration, the duration of the trial, and confirmation the trial was successful and the athlete is employed by the club.

While in Malta, the athlete must have health insurance covering all medical needs, including hospital visits and a signed statement issued by the club.

The athlete must also provide proof they can financially sustain themselves during the trial period.

Athletes cannot work during the trial period

Camilleri said athletes will not be able to apply for non-sporting jobs while in Malta for the trial. If the trial is unsuccessful and the athlete wants to apply for another job, they must start a new application process outside the Schengen area.

This rule will avoid creating loopholes in the immigration system, he said. 

If the club wants to retain the player, the application for the relevant permits must be started at least 20 days before the visa expires. 

“We introduced this sports visa to provide clear and fair processes to help our sports clubs,” Camilleri said, adding that the clubs already carry a significant number of regulatory measures. 

The visa is part of a policy featuring a raft of measures to regulate foreign workers and curb abuse.

The Malta Labour Migration Policy is based on four principles: retaining existing workers, protecting workers’ rights and conditions, aligning labour migration to workforce needs and refocusing migration on a skills-based approach.